Markus Barth Elaborates On The Special, But Still ...

Markus Barth elaborates on the special, but still humble task of pastors (and other named leaders of Eph 4:11): "The task of the special ministers mentioned in Eph 4:11 is to be servants in that ministry which is entrusted to the whole church. Their place is not above, but below the great number of saints who are not adorned by resounding titles. . . He is a "pastor" of God’s flock, who understands himself as a ministery to ministers."

"In turn, the task of the whole church and of every saint is to carry out a work of service for the prase of God and the benefit of all who need it. There are needy people inside the church--the lonely men at the top" may well belong among them." (M. Barth, The Anchor Bible, vol. 34a, p. 481)